Aaron Hernandez Murder Charge Comes After Patriots Drop Tight End

Aaron Hernandez was charged with murder and released by the New England Patriots on Wednesday, nine days after an acquaintance was found murdered in an industrial park near his house.

Hernandez, 23, was arrested and led in handcuffs from his North Attleborough home to a police cruiser, then quickly driven away shortly before 9 a.m. ET. He was booked by the Massachusetts State Police, and was arraigned at 2 p.m. at Attleboro District Court.

The Patriots swiftly cut ties with their star tight end after the arrest and before the charge was handed down, believing that Hernandez's alleged involvement in the shooting death of 27-year-old semipro football player Odin Lloyd was enough.